When does a teenager need to file a tax return? Here are five common situations when a teenager needs to file a tax return.

A W-2 arrived and federal income tax was withheld. Look at your teenager’s W-2 Box 2 Federal income tax withheld. He or she may be due a refund of that money.

A Forrm 1099MISC arrived and Box 7 Nonemployee compensation has an amount in it. Your teenager has been classified as an independent contractor and needs to file a tax return to pay self-employment tax.

More than $950 in investment income from interest and dividends in a year. Investment income greater than $950 is taxed.

Mix of earned income from a job or a business and investment income. He or she may owe tax on the combined income.

Your teenager started a business and made a profit. He or she may need to pay income tax and self-employment tax. Visit my website MicroBusinessForTeens.com if your teenager has questions about starting or running a micro business.

If any of these situations happen to you, read more about teenagers and taxes in my book Teens and Taxes. For $5.00, you’ll get accurate information that’s easy to understand.